Conveyor belt cleaning system

ABSTRACT

A conveyor belt cleaning system being a torsion blade holder assembly having a mounting sub-assembly and a blade support sub-assembly. The mounting sub-assembly has a first hollow member and a second member situated at least partially therein with torsion elements in the plurality of spaces or cavities between the first hollow member and the second member. The blade support sub-assembly, in which a scraper blade is secured, is attached to the second member such that when the scraper blade meets resistance while scraping the surface of a conveyor belt, the torsion elements are compressed and the blade support sub-assembly with the scraper blade rotates away from the conveyor belt. The blade support sub-assembly includes notched receiving members for receiving the scraper blade, a face plate extending between the notched receiving members approximately parallel to the scraper blade such that at least a portion of the scraper blade rests flush against the face plate when the scraper blade is situated in the notched receiving members, a horizontal blade stabilizer approximately perpendicular to and extending beneath the face plate, and a means for vertically adjusting the scraper blade within the notched receiving members. The means for vertically adjusting is one or more adjustable lock bolts extending upward through the horizontal blade stabilizer for adjusting the scraper blade up and down within the notched receiving members. The torsion blade holder assembly optionally includes a shield and a means for spraying a liquid on the conveyor belt.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.60/270,825, filed Feb. 22, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to conveyor belts, and, more particularly,to scraper blades for cleaning conveyor belts.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Conveyor belts are often used to convey materials that adhere tothe surface of the belt. In order to maintain efficient operation of theconveyor belt system, the excess debris must be removed from the surfaceof the belt. Accordingly, there are various types of scraper bladeassemblies that are used to scrap the debris from a surface of aconveyor belt.

[0006] A common type of scraper blade assembly comprises a plurality ofmounted scraper blades extending across the transverse axis of theconveyor belt. The blade assemblies are mounted on support arms whichare fixed to and extend from a transverse rotatable support shaft.Rotation of the transverse support shaft moves the scraper blades intoand out of contact with the conveyor belt. Applying a torque to thesupport shaft increases the contacting force of the scraper bladesagainst the belt.

[0007] During installation and use of the standard scraper bladeassemblies, the support shaft is torqued and locked in position when apredetermined contacting force is exerted on the belt by the scraperblade assemblies. As the scraper blades wear down, the contacting forceon the belt steadily decreases, thereby reducing the cleaning efficiencyof the scraper blade assembly. Over the useful life of the scraperblades, the support shaft must be adjusted several times to compensatefor wear on the blades. After prolonged use, standard clamps and setscrews become ineffective to maintain and adjust the contacting force. Afurther problem with this method is that it is not possible to adjust asingle scraper blade, i.e., an adjustment to one is an adjustment to allbecause it is the shaft on which the scraper blades are mounted that isadjusted. A still further problem is that the scraper blades undergosignificant stress from vibrations resulting from the fact that theblades are only bolted or screwed directly on to the face of theassembly.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a conveyor belt scraper bladeassembly having a blade that is vertically adjustable within theassembly such that the blade is vertically adjustable in relation to theconveyor belt and the housing for the blade. There is further a need fora means for easily and efficiently removing a blade from the scraperblade assembly so that a worn blade can be replaced with a new blade

[0009] In addition to the above, conventional blade assemblies do notprovide any means for loosening or diluting debris on a conveyor beltprior to scraping the conveyor belt with a blade assembly. Therefore,there is a need for a conveyor belt scraper blade assembly that loosensand dilutes the debris, such as by spraying water on the surface of theconveyor belt, prior to scraping the conveyor belt surface with a bladeassembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention solves the foregoing problems byintroducing a heavy-duty torsion blade holder assembly that secures thescraper blade more securely than conventional methods, and in which itis possible to adjust the height of the blade independent of the shafton which it is mounted.

[0011] One aspect of the invention is a blade support member, includingnotched receiving members for receiving a scraper blade and adapted foruse with a first hollow member of a torsion blade holder assembly; aface plate extending between the notched receiving members and aboutparallel to the scraper blade such that at least a portion of thescraper blade rests flush against the face plate when the scraper bladeis situated in the notched receiving members; a horizontal bladestabilizer about perpendicular to and extending beneath the face plate,and adjustable lock bolts extending upward through the horizontal bladestabilizer for adjusting the scraper blade up and down within thenotched receiving members.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention is a torsion blade holderassembly, including a first hollow member having an inside diameter; asecond member having an outside diameter less than the inside diameterof the first hollow member and wherein at least a portion of the secondhollow member is situated within the first hollow member such that avolume of space separates the first hollow member from the second hollowmember; torsion elements situated in the plurality of spaces between thefirst hollow member and the second member thereby resilientlyrestricting rotation of the second member within the first hollowmember; and a blade support member including notched receiving membersfor receiving a scraper blade and adapted for use with a first hollowmember of a torsion blade holder assembly; a face plate extendingbetween the notched receiving members and about parallel to the scraperblade such that at least a portion of the scraper blade rests flushagainst the face plate when the scraper blade is situated in the notchedreceiving members; a horizontal blade stabilizer about perpendicular toand extending beneath the face plate, and adjustable lock boltsextending upward through the horizontal blade stabilizer and incommunication with the bottom of the scraper blade for adjusting thescraper blade up and down within the notched receiving members.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention is a torsion blade holderassembly, including a first hollow member having an inside diameter; asecond member having an outside diameter less than the inside diameterof the first hollow member and wherein at least a portion of the secondhollow member is situated within the first hollow member such that avolume of space separates the first hollow member from the second hollowmember; torsion elements situated in the plurality of spaces between thefirst hollow member and the second member thereby resilientlyrestricting rotation of the second member within the first hollowmember; a blade support member including notched receiving members forreceiving a scraper blade and adapted for use with a first hollow memberof a torsion blade holder assembly; a face plate extending between thenotched receiving members and about parallel to the scraper blade suchthat at least a portion of the scraper blade rests flush against theface plate when the scraper blade is situated in the notched receivingmembers; a horizontal blade stabilizer about perpendicular to andextending beneath the face plate; and adjustable lock bolts extendingupward through the horizontal blade stabilizer and in communication withthe bottom of the scraper blade for adjusting the scraper blade up anddown within the notched receiving members; and a liquid source and oneor more nozzles extending along a shaft upon which the torsion bladeholder assembly is mounted, wherein the liquid source and nozzle(s) aremounted on the outer surface of the shaft and extend upward through oneor more holes in a shield mounted on the scraper blade such that onenozzle protrudes through one hole in the shield. The shield may bemounted on the scraper blade such that it extends over and covers eitherthe front or the back of the torsion blade holder assembly. Inoperation, when the shield and nozzle(s) are mounted on the front of ascraper blade, a liquid is sprayed at a point on a conveyor belt aheadof the torsion blade holder assembly as a means for loosening ordiluting the debris on the conveyor belt prior to scraping, therebyfacilitating the cleaning process of the conveyor belt. When the shieldand nozzle(s) are mounted on the back of a scraper blade, a liquid issprayed at a point on a conveyor belt behind the torsion blade holderassembly as a means for conditioning or treating the conveyor belt afterit has been cleaned, such as treating the cleaned conveyor belt withanti-freeze or a dust prohibitor.

[0014] A feature of the invention is that the second member has roundedcorners thereby increasing the range of rotation within the first hollowmember. As a result, the scraper blade is able to deflect away from theconveyor belt at a greater angle when the scraper blade comes intocontact with debris on the surface of the belt.

[0015] Another feature of the invention is vertical blade stabilizers onthe notched receiving members for anchoring the scraper blade securelyin place.

[0016] Another feature of the invention is a horizontal blade stabilizerperpendicular to and extending beneath the face plate.

[0017] Another feature of the invention is adjustable lock bolts foradjusting the height of the scraper blade independent of the shaft onwhich the torsion blade holder assemblies are mounted.

[0018] Another feature of the invention is a shielded tungsten carbidetip scraper blade.

[0019] Another feature of the invention is that the scraper blade ispositioned directly above the center of the carrier shaft therebycreating a more positive cleaning pressure and improving the cleaningcapabilities of the torsion blade holder assembly.

[0020] Another feature of the invention is that the torsion blade holderassembly can be adapted to accept a means for spraying a liquid, e.g.,water, anti-freeze, or dust prohibitor, onto the belt, thereby dilutingthe material and debris on the belt before the blade comes into contactwith the surface of the belt or treating the surface of the conveyorbelt after it has been cleaned.

[0021] An advantage of the invention is that the vertical bladestabilizers provide an added measure of support for the scraper blade inaddition to traditional mounting bolts that secure the scraper blade tothe face plate.

[0022] Another advantage of the invention is that decrease in thevibration of the scraper blade increases the useful life of the scraperblade and torsion blade holder assembly, and also improves theircleaning abilities.

[0023] Another advantage of the invention is that, due to the increasedrange of rotation of the scraper blade, larger obstructions adhered tothe conveyor belt are able to pass the torsion blade holder assemblythereby increasing the useful life of the scraper blade as well as theand torsion blade holder assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a planar side view of a torsion blade holder assemblyincluding a scraper blade;

[0025]FIG. 2 is a planar front view of a torsion blade holder assembly;

[0026]FIG. 3 a perspective front view of a torsion blade holder assemblyincluding a scraper blade;

[0027]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a torsion blade holder assemblywithout a scraper blade;

[0028]FIG. 4B is a planar side view of a shield and scraper blade;

[0029]FIG. 5A is a front view of a conventional blade assembly mountedon a shaft and adapted for use with a source of liquid and a pluralityof nozzles;

[0030]FIG. 5B is a planar side view of a scraper blade engaging thesurface of a conveyor belt during cleaning;

[0031]FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a shield;

[0032]FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a scraper blade;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a planar top view of multiple torsion blade holderassemblies mounted on a shaft;

[0034]FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment showing consecutive bladeholder assemblies mounted sequentially in a series; and

[0035]FIG. 8 is a planar side view showing a compression arm assembly.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIGS. 1-4B show an exemplary embodiment of the torsion bladeholder assembly 100 of the present invention, FIGS. 5A-D show analternative embodiment adapted for use with a means for spraying aliquid on a conveyor belt either prior to or after scraping, and FIGS.6-8 illustrate various alternative embodiments of the present invention.The torsion blade holder assembly 100 of the present invention comprisestwo sub-assemblies: a mounting sub-assembly and a blade supportsub-assembly, wherein the blade support sub-assembly is connected to themounting sub-assembly and the mounting sub-assembly secures the bladesupport assembly (and thereby secures the torsion blade holder assembly100) to a shaft such that a surface of a conveyor belt travels over andin contact with a scraper blade 114 within the blade supportsub-assembly as a means for cleaning the surface of the conveyor belt.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the mounting sub-assembly employstorsion means for allowing the mounting sub-assembly to rotate inrelation to a shaft on which the mounting sub-assembly is removablyattached. The preferred mounting sub-assembly includes a first hollowmember 102, a second member 104, and a means for securing the firsthollow member 102 to the shaft. The preferred means for securing is abase plate 136, welded to the bottom of the first hollow member 102, andhaving one or more holes 138. One or more conventional circularfasteners or clamps are used to bolt the base plate 136, via holes 138,to the shaft.

[0038] The torsion means of the mounting sub-assembly comprises thefirst hollow member 102 having an inside diameter greater than theoutside diameter of the second member 104 thereby allowing at least aportion of the second member 104 to be inserted and situated inside thefirst hollow member 102. In a preferred embodiment, the second member104 is slightly longer than the first hollow member 102 such that thesecond member 104 extends completely through and slightly beyond thefirst hollow member 102 on both sides.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, both the first hollow member 102 and thesecond member 104 preferably have cross-sections that are about square.Due to the difference between the inside diameter of the first hollowmember 102 and the second member 104, there exists a volume of space 106between the first hollow member 102 and the second member 104. Thevolume of space 106 allows the second member 104 to rotate freely withinthe first hollow member 102. To restrict this free rotation of thesecond member 104, the second member 104 is off-set approximately 45degrees from the first hollow member 102, and the volume of space 106 isfilled with one or more torsion elements 108. The torsion elements 108restrict the ability of the second member 104 to rotate within the firsthollow member 102. In the present invention, the torsion elements 108are preferably one or more rubber pieces, but this is for conveniencepurpose only.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the corners of the second member 104are rounded slightly to increase the range of rotation of the secondmember 104 within the first hollow member 102. The torsion elements 108are preferably made of a resilient material, such as, but not limited torubber. When the torsion elements 108 are compressed, they allowrestricted rotation of the second member 104 within the first hollowmember 102, and then, due to their inherent resilient nature, thetorsion elements 108 restore the second member 104 to itspre-compression relationship with the first hollow member 102.

[0041] The assembly of the first hollow member 102, second member 104,and plurality of torsion elements 108 are performed according toconventional means. Specifically, each of the torsion elements 108 areelongated bars of rubber having a circular cross-sectional shape,wherein the length of each torsion element 108 is equal to about thelength of the first hollow member 102. Each torsion element 108 iscompressed until its cross-sectional shape is generally triangular inshape, and then each reshaped torsion element 108 is frozen usingconventional cryogenic methods and inserted into a separate cavity 106,also generally triangular in shape, between the second member 104 andthe first hollow member 102. As the torsion elements 108 thaw within thecavities 106, each torsion element 108 conforms to the general shape ofthe specific cavity 106 in which that torsion element 108 is located.This method for assembling the first hollow member 102, second member104, and torsion elements 108 provide a sturdier and more durableconnection, and when coupled with the second member 104 having roundedcorners, provides a connection having a greater arching range of motionof the second member 104 within the first hollow member 102.

[0042] A blade support sub-assembly of the torsion blade holder assembly100 is fixedly secured to the ends 204 a,b of the second member 104 ofthe mounting sub-assembly. Specifically, the blade support sub-assemblycomprises a pair of notched receiving members 110, each having a firstend 140 and a second end 142, a face plate 118, a horizontal bladestabilizer 120, a means for vertically adjusting a scraper blade 114positioned within the second ends 142 of the notched receiving members110, and a means for removably securing the scraper blade 114 within thesecond ends 142 of the notched receiving members 110. The first end 140of each notched receiving member 110 is fixedly secured to an end, e.g.,end 204 a, of the second member 104 protruding beyond the outer edge ofthe first hollow member 102. Thus, whenever the second member 104rotates within the first hollow member 102, the notched receivingmembers 110 both rotate. Alternatively, the mounting sub-assembly doesnot employ torsion means for rotating the blade support sub-assembly.For example, in another embodiment, the mounting sub-assembly maycomprise simply bolting the blade support sub-assembly to a shaft 502.

[0043] At their second ends 142, each notched receiving member 110 has anotch 112 adapted for receiving a scraper blade 114. The scraper blade114 preferably is rectangular in shape and has a tungsten carbide tip126 permanently fixed and secured within a blade housing 130. Each notch112 of a notched receiving member 110 is formed by a front verticalstabilizer 116 and a rear vertical stabilizer 144 being spaced apart bya pre-defined distance such that a width of a scraper blade 114 fitssecurely within the notches 112. Also, the rear vertical stabilizer ispreferably taller in height that the front vertical stabilizer 116 foradditional stability of the scraper blade 114 during the cleaningprocess.

[0044] The face plate 118 is a rectangular component having a lengththat is about the distance between the pair of notched receiving members110 and that is positioned such that the front surface of the face plate118 is aligned with the edges and height of the rear verticalstabilizers 144. As a result, when a scraper blade 114 is installedwithin the notches 112 of the notched receiving members 110, the scraperblade 114, or at least a portion of the scraper blade 114, rests flushagainst the front surface of the face plate 118. Therefore, the faceplate 118 is about parallel to the scraper blade 114 and provides rearsupport for the scraper blade 114 during the cleaning process.

[0045] A horizontal blade stabilizer 120 also extends between thenotched receiving members 110, however, the horizontal blade stabilizer120 is in a plane about perpendicular to the plane in which the faceplate 118 extends. The horizontal blade stabilizer 120 extends beneaththe face plate 118 and the scraper blade 114, and stops at a point abouteven with the front edges of the notched receiving members 110.

[0046] In operation, the scraper blade 114 is inserted in the notches112 between the front vertical blade stabilizers 116 and the rearvertical stabilizers 144 of the notched receiving members 110 such thatthe rear surface of the scraper blade 114 is in contact with the faceplate 118 extending between the notched receiving members 110 and thebottom surface of the scraper blade 114 is above the horizontal bladestabilizer 120.

[0047] The scraper blade 114 is preferably secured to the face plate 118by at least one screw or bolt 128 extending through one or more holes134 in the scraper blade housing 130 and through one or more holes 202a,b in the face plate 118 that align with the holes 134 in the scraperblade housing 130. The use of one or more adjustable screws 128 ispreferred because this allows for the quick and efficient removal andreplacement of a scraper blade 114 within the torsion blade holderassembly 100.

[0048] Extending up through the horizontal blade stabilizer 120 is atleast one adjustable lock bolt 122. The top of the adjustable lock bolts122 are in direct contact with the bottom surface of the scraper blade114. As a result, the height of the scraper blade 114 can be easilyadjusted by raising and lowering the adjustable lock bolts 122. Also,when the adjustable lock bolts 122 are located near the outer edges ofthe scraper blade 114, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, each side of the scraperblade 114 can be adjusted independently. The number and position ofadjustable lock bolts 122 is for convenience purpose only. It would bereadily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to use adifferent number and/or position of adjustable lock bolts 122 with ascraper blade 114. In addition, the use of adjustable lock bolts 122 isalso for convenience. It would be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the relevant art to use a comparable means for verticallyadjusting different portions of the scraper blade 114, e.g., screws,pressure fit or adjustably locking clasps and fasteners.

[0049] Optionally, a shield 124 is removably attached to the scraperblade 114 to deflect debris away from the torsion blade holder assembly100 as the debris is scraped away and removed from the surface of theconveyor belt 504. The shield 124 is removably secured to the bladehousing 130 by one or more screws, rivots, or other fasteners passingthrough a hole in the shield 124 and a hole in the blade housing 130.Also, the shield 124 is preferrably made from a thin, but durable, sheetof plastic having a length that extends over and covers the entiretorsion blade holder assembly 100.

[0050] In operation, typically two or more torsion blade holderassemblies 100 are mounted, usually on a shaft 502, in the desiredproximity of a conveyor belt 504. Coarse adjustments to the position ofa scraper blade 506 in relation to the conveyor belt 504 are generallymade by moving the entire shaft 502 both vertically and horizontally inrelation to the surface of the conveyor belt 504 being cleaned. Fineadjustments are made to the position of the scraper blade 506 onindividual torsion blade holder assemblies 100 by adjusting one or moreadjustable lock bolts 122 under each scraper blade 114. An alternativescraper blade 506 is shown in FIG. 5D without a blade insert 126 forconvenience only.

[0051] Once the torsion holder assemblies 100 are in the desiredlocation, the conveyor belt 504 is turned on. The scraper blade 506 isin direct contact with the outer surface of the conveyor belt 504 withthe amount of pressuring exerted on the conveyor belt 504 by the scraperblade 506 depending on the set-up. When seams or debris affixed to theconveyor belt 504 contact the scraper blade 506, the second member 104rotates within the first hollow member 102 (assuming the debris or seamcontacts the scraper blade 114 with sufficient force), thereby rotatingthe scraper blade 506 in an arc away from the conveyor belt 504. Theresilient nature of the torsion elements 108 then restore the spatialrelationship of the second member 104 to the first hollow member 102resulting in the scraper blade 506 being returned to its proper positionin contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 504.

[0052] One of many alternative embodiments of this invention includes ameans for spraying a liquid on a conveyor belt 504 as the conveyor belt504 passes over a torsion blade holder assembly 100. In particular, themeans for spraying involves spraying a liquid, such as water or otherliquid agent, onto a section of the conveyor belt 504 either prior to orimmediately after scraping that area of the conveyor belt 504 with ascraper blade 114. As also shown in FIGS. 5A-C, a pipeline 508 fortransporting a liquid is removably attached to the outer surface of theshaft 502 on which the torsion blade holder assemblies 100 are mountedusing conventional clasps or other fasteners. The pipeline 508 is incommunication with a source of the liquid, e.g., a storage container(not shown for convenience) and has one or more nozzles 510 a,bpositioned along the length of the pipeline 508 at a predefined distancefrom each other. Corresponding to the predefined distance between thenozzles 510 a,b on the pipeline 508, one or more holes 514 a,b arepositioned on a shield 124 mounted on the scraper blades 506. The holes514 a,b in the shield 124 are of a diameter that corresponds to thediameter of the nozzles 510 a,b such that the nozzles 510 a,b of thepipeline 508 are inserted through the holes 514 a,b in the shield 124.The pipeline 508 is preferably a heavy duty, ½ inch or ¾ inch,galvanized or stainless steel tubing and also has an on/off valve 512which is used to restrict the flow of liquid from the liquid sourcethrough the pipeline 508. The means for spraying is described in theseterms for convenience purpose only. It would be readily apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the relevant art to relocate the pipeline 508, suchas, to inside a cavity of a hollow shaft 502.

[0053] In operation, when the shield 124 is mounting on the front sideof a scraper blade 114, as shown in FIG. 1, liquid is transportedthrough the pipeline 508 and via the nozzles 510 a,b is sprayed on thesurface of the conveyor belt 504 just prior to the conveyor belt 504reaching the scraper blade 114. The liquid in this use may be water, acleaning agent, or solvent that helps to soften or remove debris fromthe conveyor belt 504. Therefore, the scraper blade 506 is moreeffective during the cleaning process while reducing the wear on thetorsion blade holder assembly 100.

[0054] In operation, when the shield 124 is mounting on the rear side ofa scraper blade 114, liquid is transported through the pipeline 508 andvia the nozzles 510 a,b is sprayed on the surface of the conveyor belt504 just after the conveyor belt 504 is scraped clean by the scraperblade 114. The liquid in this use may be water, anti-freeze, dustinhibitor, or other treating agent that helps to treat the conveyor belt504 for a special condition.

[0055] The present invention is described in terms of a single torsionblade holder assembly 100 for convenience purposes only. It would bereadily apparent to have alternative configurations of such torsionblade holder assemblies 100. For example, in FIG. 6, an alternativeconfiguration is shown having a plurality of torsion blade holderassemblies 100 mounted on a single shaft 502. Preferably, the pluralityof torsion blade holder assemblies 100 are positioned along the lengthof the shaft 502 such that they are centered along a central axis 602 ofthe conveyor belt 504 in order to cover the entire width, or almost theentire width, of the conveyor belt 504.

[0056] In another alternative embodiment as shown on FIG. 7, two or moreshafts, such as a first shaft 702 and a second shaft 704, may be mountedsequentially one behind the other wherein at least one torsion bladeholder assembly 100 is mounted on each shaft 702, 704. As shown, themounting sub-assembly 706 are fixed mounts that do not rotate a scraperblade 114 in relation to the shafts 702, 704. The plurality of shafts702, 704 are joined together at their ends with a first shaft housingmember 710 a and a second shaft housing member 710 b. Specifically, eachend of a shaft 702, 704 is fit and secured with a shaft housing member710. The first shaft housing member 710 a is then mounted to a firstadjustable support shaft 712 a and the second shaft housing member 710 bis then mounted to a first adjustable support shaft 712 b. The twosupport shafts 712 a,b are secured to a base or other support whichplaces the torsion blade holder assemblies 100 in proper position inrelation to a conveyor belt 504. Using this configuration, a conveyorbelt 504 is cleaned by a series of torsion blade holder assemblies 100thereby providing a more thorough scraping and cleaning of the conveyorbelt 504.

[0057] In this configuration, many variations are possible. For example,only the first torsion blade holder assembly 100 may have a shield 124and a means for spraying a liquid on the conveyor belt 504.Alternatively, the last torsion blade holder assembly 100 in the seriesmay have the shield 124 and means for spraying a liquid on the conveyorbelt 504. Also, one or more of the torsion blade holder assemblies 100in the series may have a shield 124 and/or a means for spraying aliquid. Lastly, the mounting sub-assembly of each torsion blade holderassembly 100 may either employ a torsion means to allow for the rotationof the blade support sub-assembly, or may be a fix mount prohibitingsuch rotation.

[0058] In another alternative embodiment, a mounting sub-assemblyincludes a compression arm 802 to secure a shaft 502 during the cleaningprocess. In this embodiment, the mounting sub-assembly of a torsionblade holder assembly 100 does not employ torsion properties that allowa scraper blade 114 to rotate in relation to the mounting sub-assembly,but rather the preferred mounting in this embodiment is a urethanescraper blade 814 bolted to the shaft 502. The means for rotating thescraper blade 814 is handled by one or more compression arms 802positioned at the end(s) of the shaft 502.

[0059] A compression arm 802 comprises a base plate 810 in communicationwith a pivoting spindle 806 having a threaded shaft and a pivotingcomponent. A spring 804 is positioned on the threaded shaft of thepivoting spindle 806 and is held in place by a pair of spring buckets812 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 8) and a thrust collar 808.This compression arm 802 employs a spring action such that when seams ordebris affixed to the conveyor belt 504 contact the scraper blade 814,the compression arm 802 retracts (assuming the debris or seam contactsthe scraper blade 814 with sufficient force), thereby rotating the shaft502 and the scraper blade 814 away from the conveyor belt 504. Theresilient nature of the spring 804 then restores the spatialrelationship of the shaft 502 resulting in the scraper blade 814 beingreturned to its proper position in contact with the surface of theconveyor belt 504.

CONCLUSION

[0060] While various embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby the way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blade support sub-assembly adapted to be usedwith a scraper blade for scraping and cleaning a conveyor belt and witha mounting sub-assembly, comprising: a pair of notched receivingmembers, each notched receiving member having a notch formed from afront vertical stabilizer and a rear stabilizer, said notch forreceiving a scraper blade, and said pair of notched receiving membersadapted for use with a mounting sub-assembly; a face plate extendingbetween said pair of notched receiving members and about parallel to thescraper blade such that at least a portion of the scraper blade restsflush against said face plate when the scraper blade is situated in saidpair of notched receiving members; and a means for vertically adjustingthe height of the scraper blade in relation to a fixed position of saidpair of notched receiving members such that the scraper blade is incontact with a surface of the conveyor belt to be scraped.
 2. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein said means forvertically adjusting the scraper blade within said notches of said pairof notched receiving members comprises a horizontal blade stabilizerapproximately perpendicular to and extending beneath said face plate,and one or more adjustable lock bolts extending upward through saidhorizontal blade stabilizer and in communication with a bottom surfaceof the scraper blade, wherein rotating one said adjustable lock bolt ina first direction raises said adjustable lock bolt and the scraperblade, and rotating one said adjustable lock bolt in a second directionlowers said adjustable lock bolt and the scraper blade.
 3. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a meansfor removably securing the scraper blade within said notches of saidpair of notched receiving members.
 4. The blade support sub-assemblyaccording to claim 3, wherein said means for removably securing thescraper blade comprises one or more adjustable screws.
 5. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a shieldattached to the scraper blade, wherein said shield extends from thescraper blade and over the blade support sub-assembly.
 6. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rear verticalstabilizer is taller in height than said front vertical stabilizer. 7.The blade support sub-assembly according to claim 1, further comprisinga scraper blade having a blade insert fixed within a blade housing. 8.The blade support sub-assembly according to claim 1, further comprisinga means for spraying a liquid on the conveyor belt.
 9. The blade supportsub-assembly according to claim 8, wherein said means for spraying aliquid comprises a pipeline, for transporting a liquid, having one ormore nozzles, a means for restricting a flow of the liquid through saidpipeline, and a means for securing said pipeline and said one or morenozzles in proximity to the blade support sub-assembly.
 10. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a shield,having one or more holes, attached to the scraper blade, wherein saidshield extends from the scraper blade and over the blade supportsub-assembly, wherein each of said one or more nozzles of said pipelinealigns with and extends through one of said one or more holes in saidshield.
 11. The blade support sub-assembly according to claim 9, whereinsaid shield is attached to a front of the scraper blade such that theliquid is sprayed at a point on a conveyor belt ahead of the scraperblade.
 12. The blade support sub-assembly according to claim 9, whereinsaid shield is attached to a rear of the scraper blade such that theliquid is sprayed at a point on a conveyor belt behind the scraperblade.
 13. The blade support sub-assembly according to claim 8, whereinthe liquid is selected from the group consisting of water, a cleaningagent, a solvent, anti-freeze, and a dust inhibitor.
 14. A torsion bladeholder assembly, comprising: a mounting sub-assembly comprising: firsthollow member having an inside diameter; a second member having anoutside diameter less than the inside diameter of said first hollowmember and wherein at least a portion of said second hollow member issituated within said first hollow member such that a volume of spaceseparates said first hollow member from said second hollow member;torsion elements situated in the plurality of spaces between said firsthollow member and said second member thereby resiliently restrictingrotation of said second member within said first hollow member; and ablade support sub-assembly according to claim
 1. 15. The torsion bladeholder assembly according to claim 14 further comprising a means forremovably securing the scraper blade within said pair of notchedreceiving members.
 17. The torsion blade holder assembly according toclaim 14, further comprising a shield attached to the scraper blade,wherein said shield extends from the scraper blade and over the bladesupport member.
 18. The torsion blade holder assembly according to claim14, wherein said first hollow member has rounded edges.
 19. The torsionblade holder assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a meansfor spraying a liquid.
 20. The torsion blade holder assembly accordingto claim 19, wherein said means for spraying comprises a pipeline fortransporting a liquid having one or more nozzles, a means forrestricting a flow of the liquid through said pipeline, and a means forsecuring said pipeline and said one or more nozzles in proximity to theblade support sub-assembly.
 21. A blade support sub-assembly adapted tobe used with a scraper blade for scraping and cleaning a conveyor beltand with a mounting sub-assembly, comprising: a pair of notchedreceiving members, each notched receiving member having a notch formedfrom a front vertical stabilizer and a rear stabilizer, said notch forreceiving a scraper blade, and said pair of notched receiving membersadapted for use with a mounting sub-assembly; a face plate extendingbetween said pair of notched receiving members and about parallel to thescraper blade such that at least a portion of the scraper blade restsflush against said face plate when the scraper blade is situated in saidpair of notched receiving members; and a means for spraying a liquid onthe conveyor belt.
 22. The blade support sub-assembly according to claim21, wherein said means for spraying a liquid comprises a pipeline, fortransporting a liquid, having one or more nozzles, a means forrestricting a flow of the liquid through said pipeline, and a means forsecuring said pipeline and said one or more nozzles in proximity to theblade support sub-assembly.
 23. The blade support sub-assembly accordingto claim 21, further comprising a shield, having one or more holes,attached to the scraper blade, wherein said shield extends from thescraper blade and over the blade support sub-assembly, wherein each ofsaid one or more nozzles of said pipeline aligns with and extendsthrough one of said one or more holes in said shield.
 24. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 23, wherein said shield isattached to a front of the scraper blade such that the liquid is sprayedat a point on a conveyor belt ahead of the scraper blade.
 25. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 23, wherein said shield isattached to a rear of the scraper blade such that the liquid is sprayedat a point on a conveyor belt behind the scraper blade.
 26. The bladesupport sub-assembly according to claim 21, wherein the liquid isselected from the group consisting of water, a cleaning agent, asolvent, anti-freeze, and a dust inhibitor.
 27. A method for verticallyadjusting a scraper blade in a blade support member, comprising thesteps of: (a) positioning a scraper blade within a pair of notchedreceiving members, each notched receiving member having a notch formedfrom a front vertical stabilizer and a rear stabilizer, said notch forreceiving the scraper blade, and said pair of notched receiving membersadapted for use with a mounting sub-assembly; (b) vertically adjustingthe height of the scraper blade in relation to a fixed position of saidpair of notched receiving members such that the scraper blade is incontact with a surface of the conveyor belt to be scraped; and (c)scraping the conveyor belt with the scraper blade.
 28. The methodaccording to claim 27, further comprising a face plate extending betweensaid pair of notched receiving members and about parallel to the scraperblade such that at least a portion of the scraper blade rests flushagainst said face plate when the scraper blade is situated in said pairof notched receiving members, and a horizontal blade stabilizerapproximately perpendicular to and extending beneath said face plate,and one or more adjustable lock bolts extending upward through saidhorizontal blade stabilizer and in communication with a bottom surfaceof the scraper blade, such that said step (b) comprises rotating one ormore of said adjustable lock bolts, wherein rotating one said adjustablelock bolt in a first direction raises said adjustable lock bolt and aportion of the scraper blade, and rotating one said adjustable lock boltin a second direction lowers said adjustable lock bolt and the portionof the scraper blade.
 29. The method according to claim 27, furthercomprising the step of: (d) spraying the conveyor belt with a liquideither just prior to or immediately after said step (c).
 30. A methodfor cleaning a conveyor belt, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning ascraper blade with a shield within a pair of receiving members such thatthe scraper blade is in contact with a surface of the conveyor belt tobe cleaned, each receiving member having a means for securing thescraper blade and said pair of receiving members adapted for use with amounting sub-assembly; (b) spraying the surface of the conveyor belt tobe cleaned with a liquid, the liquid being transported through apipeline and emitting from one or more nozzles protruding through saidshield of the scraper blade; and (c) scraping the conveyor belt with thescraper blade.